Thirty-day morbidity and mortality of the laparoscopic ileal interposition associated with sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients with BMI <35: an analysis of 454 consecutive patients.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the early results of the laparoscopic interposition of a segment of ileum associated with a sleeve gastrectomy (LII-SG) in order to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and BMI <35. Data regarding morbidly obese diabetic patients subjected to surgery has consistently been validated. To date, there is scarce information about morbidity and mortality related to the surgical treatment of a "true" typical diabetic population with BMI <35.

Methods: The procedures were performed in 454 patients (322 male, 132 female). Mean age was 53.6 ± 8 years (range = 27-75). Mean BMI was 29.7 ± 3.6 kg/m(2) (range = 19-34.8). All patients had the diagnosis of T2DM for at least 3 years. Insulin therapy was used by 45.6% of patients. Mean duration of T2DM was 10.8 ± 5.9 years (range = 3-35). Mean hemoglobin A(1c) was 8.8 ± 1.9%. Dyslipidemia was observed in 78.4%, hypertension in 64.8%, nephropathy in 28.6%, retinopathy in 32.6%, neuropathy in 34.6%, and coronary heart disease in 13%.

Results: There was no conversion to open surgery. All patients were evaluated postoperatively. Mortality was 0.4%. There were 29 major complications (6.4%) in 22 patients (4.8%) and 51 minor complications (11.2%). Reoperations were performed on 8 patients (1.7%). Twenty patients (4.4%) were readmitted to the hospital. Mean postoperative BMI was 25.8 ± 3.5 kg/m(2). Mean fasting plasma glucose decreased from 198 ± 69 to 128 ± 67 mg/dl and mean postprandial plasma glucose decreased from 262 ± 101 to 136 ± 43 mg/dl.

Conclusions: The laparoscopic ileal interposition associated with a sleeve gastrectomy was considered a safe operation with low rates of morbidity and mortality in a diabetic population with BMI < 35. An early control of postprandial glycemia was observed.